Soul Food Classics: Recipes From The Black Family Table

Soulful Symphony

Ingredients:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs

1 pound boneless, skinless pork chops

1 pound smoked sausage, sliced

1 large onion, chopped

2 green bell peppers, chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes

1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce

1 (14.5-ounce) can chicken broth

1 bay leaf

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

Salt, to taste

Image Source: tiktok.com

Equipment:

Large Dutch oven or pot

Cutting board

Knife

Instructions:

1. Prep the Proteins: Season the chicken thighs and pork chops with salt and pepper. Set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned. Remove and set aside. Add the onion, bell peppers, and garlic to the pot and sauté until softened.
3. Build the Flavor Base: Stir in the thyme, oregano, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 30 seconds, then add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, bay leaf, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes.
4. Add the Proteins: Carefully add the seasoned chicken thighs and pork chops to the pot. Cover and simmer for an additional 30 minutes, or until the meat is tender and cooked through.
5. Serve: Remove the bay leaf. Serve the Soulful Symphony over rice, pasta, or cornbread. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Serving Ideas:

Serve with a side of collard greens or sweet potato casserole.

Top with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.

Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Cultural Influences:

The Soulful Symphony is a fusion of flavors inspired by the diverse culinary traditions of the African diaspora. The rich tomato base is reminiscent of Southern comfort food, while the bold spices and hearty proteins pay homage to West African cuisine. This dish celebrates the cultural exchange and innovation that has shaped Black culinary heritage.

As we savor this Soulful Symphony, we are not merely enjoying a meal; we are partaking in a cultural experience. Each bite connects us to the past, present, and future of Black culinary traditions. This dish is a testament to the resilience, creativity, and unwavering spirit of the Black community, a legacy that continues to enrich our world.